AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL NEW ZEALAND

Synopsis

Chikha refers to the women who sing and dance in the Aita tradition, a Moroccan poetic and musical art form which is performed at weddings and circumcisions. It is vibrant and expressive, using the body and voice to dramatic effect, which has led to the stigmatisation of Chikhas as prostitutes in certain circles. It has also been used politically in the past, in former anti-colonial movements. Social activities would be boring without Chikha. In Chikha Queen, Fatine, a talented young performer, must choose between her university studies in another town and her own promising future as a Chikha. The love between Fatine and her family makes her choice even harder. It is the day before she should be leaving and the pressure is on.